HOUSTON (Feb. 19, 2024) - Houston Dynamo 2 signed goalkeeper Nico Hansen to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2024 season plus a club option for the 2025 season, the team announced today. The transaction is pending receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC).
The shot stopper joins Dynamo 2 after beginning his professional career abroad as a youth player for Everton Football Club, Swansea City Association Football Club and Atherton Collieries Football Club.
"Nico brings experience abroad after spending the last six years in the United Kingdom and competing at different levels with the U.S. and Danish youth national team,” Dynamo Assistant General Manager Nick Kowba said. “He is a promising player that wants to continue his development in Houston, and we look forward to watching him compete for minutes this season.”
Hansen began his youth career with Weston FC in south Florida before leaving for England in 2017 to join Everton on scholarship. He would feature for the U-18 and U-23 teams from 2017 to 2021. The 22-year-old spent one year in Wales with Swansea and competed with their U-21 squad.
Hansen joined Atherton Collieries in Aug. 2022 and finished with 12 clean sheets in 52 appearances. He was named the Supporters’ Club Player of the Month four times and named the Man of the Match five times in his lone season with the Stripes.
Internationally, Hansen represented the U.S. Youth National Team from the U-14 to U-16 level. He also earned three appearances for the U-19 Denmark National Team.
The 22-year-old was one of seven Dynamo 2 players that joined the Dynamo first team in Mexico for friendly matches against Chivas, Tecos and Leones Negros. He also traveled to Central Florida to join the Dynamo in the preseason friendly against Orlando City SC.
